Snow and ice removal broom

ABSTRACT

A broom for clearing a surface is provided, and includes an elongate body having a first end and an opposite second end; a plurality of bristles extending downwardly from an attachment mechanism removably attached to the first end of the elongate body; and a reinforcer configured to be removably attached to a rear side of the attachment mechanism such that the reinforcer covers substantially all of the plurality of bristles when viewed from the rear side of the attachment mechanism.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to tools for clearing snow,ice, and other debris from surfaces, and more particularly to a broomwith snow and ice plow and cleaning utilities.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Conventional snow and ice brooms include bristles that closely contactsurfaces of sidewalks, driveways, steps, and the like. The brooms withbristles provide sweeping capabilities. For example, the bristles areused to sweep snow or debris accumulated on the surfaces. However, thebristles are typically not well suited for clearing the ice or stickydebris that are at least partially attached to the surfaces. Often, asnow shovel having a blade is used to clear such ice or debris from thesurfaces. For example, a leading edge of the blade closely contacts thesurfaces to remove the ice or sticky debris by a scraping action.

As such, the broom with bristles and the snow shovel with the blade arerepeatedly and separately utilized to effectively remove the snow, ice,and other debris from the surfaces. In one example, when snowaccumulates on the surfaces, certain areas can have ice formed on uppersides of the surfaces. To remove the ice, the blade is often used tobreak the ice under a chopping action. Then, a user switches to thebroom to sweep the broken ice and snow using the bristles. Such repeateduses of the broom and snow shovel can cause increased operational timeand costs. Further, repetitive lifting and changing of tools, such asbetween the broom and the snow shovel, can be undesirably laborious andagonizing to the user. Accordingly, there are opportunities to developan improved broom that can accommodate both snow and ice plow andcleaning utilities.

SUMMARY

Advantages are achieved by the present disclosure which includes variousbroom embodiments for clearing a surface using a combination of bristlesand a reinforcer or a panel member. In one embodiment, a broom forclearing a surface is provided, and includes an elongate body having afirst end and an opposite second end, a plurality of bristles extendingdownwardly from an attachment mechanism removably attached to the firstend of the elongate body, and a reinforcer configured to be removablyattached to a rear side of the attachment mechanism such that thereinforcer covers substantially all of the plurality of bristles whenviewed from the rear side of the attachment mechanism.

In one example, the reinforcer is configured to reinforce the pluralityof bristles attached to the attachment mechanism during user, and tobreak or scrap at least one of: ice, snow, and debris from the surface.

In another example, the reinforcer has a bottom side and a top side, anda lower periphery of the bottom side of the reinforcer substantiallyfollows a profile of a distal edge of the plurality of bristles.

In one variation, an upper periphery of the top side of reinforcersubstantially follows a profile of an upper portion of the attachmentmechanism.

In yet another example, the attachment mechanism includes an uppersecuring member configured to be attached to the first end of theelongate body.

In still another example, the attachment mechanism includes a lowersecuring member configured to securely attach the plurality of bristlesto the attachment mechanism.

In a further example, the broom further includes a handle configured tobe removably attached to the second end of the elongate body of thebroom.

In some examples, the reinforcer includes a scraper blade at a distaledge of the reinforcer, the scraper blade configured to clear thesurface.

In some examples, the reinforcer includes a shape-holding rib proximalto the scraper blade.

In some examples, the shape-holding rib extends substantially the widthof the distal edge of the reinforcer.

In some examples, the shape-holding rib includes a creased rib.

In some examples, the shape-holding rib is rippled.

In some examples, the reinforcer is configured to be adhered to theattachment mechanism.

In some examples, the reinforcer comprises at least one selected from ametal, a ceramic, a plastic, a fiber substance, a stone, and an alloy.

In some examples, the elongate body has a circular cross-section, ahexagonal cross-section, an elliptical cross-section, or quadrilateralcross-section.

In some examples, the elongate body is tapered toward the second endsuch that the first end has a first outer diameter greater than a secondouter diameter of the second end.

In some examples, the plurality of bristles has a tapered distal edge.

In some examples, the broom further includes a shovel configured to beremovably attached to the second end of the elongate body.

In various embodiments, a method for assembling a broom for clearing asurface includes coupling an attachment mechanism to a first end of anelongate body such that the plurality of bristles extends downwardly andcoupling a reinforcer to a rear side of the attachment mechanism suchthat the reinforcer covers substantially all of the plurality ofbristles when viewed from the rear side of the attachment mechanism. Incertain examples, coupling the reinforcer to the rear side of theattachment mechanism includes arranging a lower periphery of a bottomside of the reinforcer to substantially follow a profile of a distaledge of the plurality of bristles.

In various embodiments, a reinforcer for a broom for clearing a surfaceincludes a body having a top edge and a distal edge, and a scraper bladeat the distal edge configured to clear a surface. In certain examples,the reinforcer is configured to be removably attached to a rear side ofa broom having a plurality of bristles such that when coupled, thereinforcer covers substantially all of the plurality of bristles whenviewed from the rear side of the broom and a lower periphery of thebottom edge of the reinforcer substantially follows a profile of adistal edge of the plurality of bristles.

Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the followingdetailed description of the illustrative embodiment exemplifying thebest mode of carrying out the present disclosure as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments will be more readily understood in view of the followingdescription when accompanied by the below figures and wherein likereference numerals represent like elements, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of a broom having aplurality of bristles and a reinforcer;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the broom of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the broom of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front view of a second embodiment of the broom having adetachable shovel;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of a third embodiment of the broom featuring adetachable panel member;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the broom of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the broom of FIG. 5 before assembly;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the broom of FIG. 5 after assembly;

FIG. 9 is a front view of a broom with a reinforcer;

FIG. 10 is a front view of a broom with a reinforcer;

FIG. 11 is a rear view of a broom with a reinforcer;

FIG. 12 is a rear view of a broom with a reinforcer;

FIG. 13 shows a broom with a detached reinforcer from a front view;

FIG. 14 shows a broom with a detached reinforcer from a rear view;

FIG. 15 shows a broom with a detached reinforcer from a front view;

FIG. 16 shows a broom with a detached reinforcer from a rear view; and

FIG. 17 shows a broom with a detached reinforcer.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. Although the drawings representembodiments of the present disclosure, the drawings are not necessarilyto scale and certain features may be exaggerated in order to betterillustrate and explain the present disclosure. The exemplifications setout herein illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, in oneform, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting thescope of the disclosure in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Further, thefollowing description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no wayintended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the present broom is generally designated 10,and is designed to provide an efficient way to clear a surface withouthaving to repeatedly change tools for removing snow, ice, and otherdebris from the surface. More specifically, broom 10 includes anelongate body 12 having a first end 14 and an opposite second end 16. Inone embodiment, elongate body 12 has a cylindrical shape, but in otherembodiments, elongate body 12 can have other suitable geometric shapeswhen viewed in cross-section, such as in hexagonal columns orelliptical-shaped poles.

Other cross-sectional shapes, such as square and other quadrilateralshapes, are contemplated to suit different applications. In anotherembodiment, elongate body 12 can be at least partially curved or bentalong its longitudinal axis for providing an enhanced ergonomic design.For example, elongate body 12 is made of a bendable material, such asrubber or soft metal, for selectively altering a configuration ofelongate body 12 as desired during use.

In one embodiment, elongate body 12 is tapered toward first end 14 suchthat a first outer diameter of first end 14 is less than a second outerdiameter of second end 16. In another embodiment, elongate body 12 istapered toward second end 16 such that the first outer diameter of firstend 14 is greater than the second outer diameter of second end 16.However, in some embodiments, elongate body 12 has a consistent diameterbetween first end 14 and second end 16 in an axial direction of elongatebody 12.

Further, elongate body 12 can be either solid or hollow depending on theapplication. In one embodiment, elongate body 12 is made of a bendableor flexible metal or resilient material, such as aluminum, plastic, orpolyurethane substance. An exemplary longitudinal dimension of elongatebody 12 is approximately 4 feet or 48 inches, and an exemplary diameterof elongate body 12 is approximately 1 inch. Other suitable dimensionsare also contemplated to suit the application.

In FIG. 1, first end 14 of broom 10 is removably connected to aplurality of bristles 18 extending downwardly from an attachmentmechanism 20 removably attached to first end 14 of elongate body 12. Inanother embodiment, bristles 18 can be directly attached to first end 14of elongate body 12 with attachment mechanism 20. In one embodiment, afirst longitudinal length L1 of bristles 18 disposed near a first side24 of attachment mechanism 20 is greater than a second longitudinallength L2 of bristles 18 disposed near an opposite second side 26 ofattachment mechanism 20 such that a longitudinal length of each bristle18 is gradually increased toward first side 24. In another embodiment,first longitudinal length L1 can be less than second longitudinal lengthL2. An exemplary length L1 of bristles 18 is approximately 8 inches andan exemplary thickness of bristles 18, as a whole, is approximately 2inches.

In yet another embodiment, first longitudinal length L1 can besubstantially the same (e.g., identical) as second longitudinal lengthL2. In still another embodiment, the longitudinal length of each bristle18 can be variable such that the longitudinal lengths of bristles 18 areirregular (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4). In embodiments, bristles 18 aremade of resilient plastic or flexible fiber substances configured toclear snow, ice, or other debris from the surface, and to resist normalwear and tear. Other suitable materials, such as rubber, clothes, orthreads, are also contemplated to suit different applications.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3, attachment mechanism 20 includes anupper securing member 28 configured to be attached to first end 14 ofelongate body 12. For example, upper securing member 28 can be disposedat an upper portion of attachment mechanism 20. Further, attachmentmechanism 20 includes a lower securing member 30 configured to attachbristles 18 to a lower portion of attachment mechanism 20. In oneembodiment, upper securing member 28 includes a threaded female section32 configured to securely receive first end 14 (e.g., having a male end48 shown in FIG. 3) of elongate body 12.

An exemplary first end 14 can be a one-inch screw-in section that isdisposed at a substantially central region (e.g., at the center) ofupper portion of attachment mechanism 20. In this configuration, firstend 14 of elongate body 12 is rotatably fastened to upper securingmember 28 of attachment mechanism 20 for secure attachment. In otherembodiments, first end 14 of elongate body 12 is fixedly attached toattachment mechanism 20 in unitary form as a single piece without usingupper securing member 28. For example, a fastener, such as a screw, canbe used to permanently attach first end 14 of elongate body 12 toattachment mechanism 20. Other suitable attachment methods, such asadhesives or welding techniques, are also contemplated to suit differentapplications.

In FIG. 1, opposite second end 16 of elongate body 12 is removablyconnected to a handle 22. For comfortable manipulation of broom 10,handle 22 is ergonomically designed and made of soft or bendablematerial, such as rubber or plastic, but other suitable substances, suchas metals, can also be used to enhance comfortability during use. In oneembodiment, second end 16 of elongate body 12 is configured to beremovably attached to handle 22. For example, handle 22 includes acavity 34 configured to facilitate at least partial insertion of secondend 16 of elongate body 12. In another embodiment, handle 22 includes athroughbore 34′ configured to facilitate slidable insertion of secondend 16 of elongate body 12 to selectively adjust a desired location ofhandle 22 in an axial direction of elongate body 12. An exemplary lengthof handle 22 is approximately 4-6 inches and an exemplary outer diameterof handle 22 is approximately 2 inches. An exemplary thickness of handle22 is approximately one half (or 0.5) inch.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, also included in broom 10 is areinforcer 36 configured to be removably attached to a rear side ofattachment mechanism 20 such that reinforcer 36 covers substantially(e.g., greater than 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%) all of bristles 18 whenviewed from the rear side of attachment mechanism 20. Reinforcer 36 isconfigured to strengthen or reinforce bristles 18 attached to attachmentmechanism 20 during use, and designed to break and/or scrape ice, snow,or other debris from the surfaces. In one embodiment, reinforcer 36 isremovably attached to the rear side of attachment mechanism 20 using oneor more fasteners 42. Other types of fasteners 42, such as hook-and-loopfasteners, are also contemplated. In another embodiment, reinforcer 36is fixedly attached to the rear side of attachment mechanism 20 inunitary form, e.g., using adhesives or welding techniques.

In one embodiment, reinforcer 36 has a bottom side 38 and a top side 40.As shown in FIG. 2, an upper periphery 44 of top side 40 of reinforcer36 substantially (e.g., at least more than 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% ofthe reinforcer 36) follows a profile of the upper portion of attachmentmechanism 20, and a lower periphery 46 of bottom side 38 of reinforcer36 substantially (e.g., at least more than 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% ofthe reinforcer 36) follows a profile of a distal edge of bristles 18attached to lower securing member 30 of attachment mechanism 20. Forexample, bottom side 38 of reinforcer 36 is used to break the iceaccumulated on the surfaces under the chopping action and convenientlysweep the broken pieces of ice along with other debris from the surfacesusing bristles 18 without having to change any tools. As such, it isadvantageous that broom 10 can readily accommodate both snow and iceplow and cleaning utilities for the user.

More specifically, corresponding with longitudinal lengths of bristles18, a first vertical length L3 of reinforcer 36 near first side 24 ofattachment mechanism 20 is greater than a second vertical length L4 ofreinforcer 36 near second side 26 of attachment mechanism 20 such that avertical length of reinforcer 36 is gradually increased toward firstside 24. In another embodiment, first vertical length L3 can be lessthan second vertical length L4.

In yet another embodiment, first vertical length L3 can be substantiallythe same (e.g., identical) as second vertical length L4. In stillanother embodiment, the vertical length of reinforcer 36 near bottomside 38 of reinforcer 36 can be variable such that the vertical lengthsof reinforcer 36 are irregular along lower periphery 46 of bottom side38. For example, lower periphery 46 of bottom side 38 of reinforcer 36can be zig-zagged, jagged, needle-pointed, or the like.

Other suitable configurations for lower periphery 46, such as a smoothedge and a continuous knife-edged end, are also contemplated to suit theapplication. In embodiments, reinforcer 36 can made of durablematerials, such as metal, ceramic, plastic or fiber substances,configured to break and/or clear snow, ice, or other debris from thesurface, and to resist normal wear and tear. Other suitable materials,such as stones or alloys, are also contemplated to suit differentapplications. In one embodiment, an exemplary thickness of reinforcer 36is up to approximately 1 inch, an exemplary width of reinforcer 36 isapproximately 8 inches, and an exemplary height of reinforcer 36 isapproximately 8 inches. Other suitable dimensions are also contemplatedto suit different configurations.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4, another embodiment of broom 10 is shownin FIG. 4 and generally designated 10′. Broom 10′ includes a detachableshovel 50 configured to be removably attached to second end 16 ofelongate body 12. Like reference numerals shown in FIG. 1 represent likeelements shown in FIG. 4. In one embodiment, shovel 50 is removablyattached to second end 16 of elongate body 12 using one or morefasteners, such as fasteners 42 shown in FIG. 2. Other types offasteners 42, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, are also contemplated. Inanother embodiment, shovel 50 is fixedly attached to second end 16 ofelongate body 12 in unitary form, e.g., using adhesives or weldingtechniques. In yet another embodiment, second end 16 of elongate body 12is rotatably and detachably fastened to shovel 50 in a complimentaryfashion.

For example, as with upper securing member 28, shovel 50 includes athreaded female section 52 configured to securely receive second end 16of elongate body 12. In still another embodiment, second end 16 ofelongate body 12 is fixedly attached to shovel 50 in unitary form as asingle piece. In another embodiment, in lieu of shovel 50, reinforcer 36configured to be removably attached to second end 16 of elongate body 12can be used. Attachment of reinforcer 36 to second end 16 of elongatebody 12 can be achieved using any of the attachment methods ortechniques described above, such as fasteners or adhesives.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, yet another embodiment of broom 10 isshown and generally designated 10″. As similarly with reinforcer 36 ofbroom 10, broom 10″ includes a detachable reinforcer, which may also bereferred to as a panel member 54 configured to be removably attached tothe rear side of attachment mechanism 20 such that panel member 54covers substantially (e.g., greater than 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%) allof bristles 18 when viewed from the rear side of attachment mechanism 20(FIG. 6). Attachment of panel member 54 to the rear side of attachmentmechanism 20 can be achieved using any of the attachment methods ortechniques described above, such as fasteners or adhesives.

In one embodiment, panel member 54 includes a scraper blade 56 disposedat a lower edge of panel member 54. In one example, scraper blade 56extends substantially (e.g., greater than 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%) awidth of the lower edge of panel member 54 and is configured tostrengthen or reinforce bristles 18 attached to attachment mechanism 20.In another example, scraper blade 56 is made of one or more materialsstrong or hard enough to break and/or clear snow, ice, or other debrisfrom the surface, and to resist normal wear and tear.

Another aspect of panel member 54 is that a shape-holding rib 58 isprovided closer to scraper blade 56, and extends substantially (e.g.,greater than 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%) the width of the lower edge ofpanel member 54. Shape-holding rib 58 is configured to be resilientunder the action of force applied to scraper blade 56 such that anoriginal shape of panel member 54 is substantially maintained (e.g., atleast 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the scraper blade) during use. Forexample, shape-holding rib 58 can be a creasing rib or strip. Althoughshape-holding rib 58 having a straight line is shown for illustrationpurposes, other suitable configurations of shape-holding rib 58, such asarc or rippled formations, are also contemplated to suit differentapplications.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, FIG. 7 shows broom 10″ having panelmember 54 before assembly and FIG. 8 shows broom 10″ having panel member54 after assembly. As shown in FIG. 8, when panel member 54 is attachedto the rear side of attachment mechanism 20, substantially (e.g., atleast 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%) all of bristles 18 are covered bypanel member 54. As such, when viewed from a front side of attachmentmechanism 20, panel member 54 is substantially (e.g., at least 50%, 60%,70%, 80%, or 90%) blocked by bristles 18. In other embodiments, featuresof panel member 54 of broom 10″ can be combined with other brooms 10 and10′ or vice versa, as desired. Thus, while a combination of scraperblade 56 and shape-holding rib 58 is shown for illustration purposes,other arrangements including one or more features of brooms 10, 10′ and10″ are also contemplated to suit different applications.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a broom with a reinforcer, according to someexamples. As illustrated, the broom (e.g., broom 10) includes anattachment mechanism (e.g., attachment mechanism 20), a plurality ofbristles (e.g., plurality of bristles 18) extending downwardly from theattachment mechanism, and a reinforcer (e.g., reinforcer 36) attached(e.g., removably) to a rear side of the attachment mechanism such thatthe reinforcer covers substantially (e.g., greater than 50%, 60%, 70%,80%, or 90%) all of the plurality of bristles when viewed from the rearside of attachment mechanism. In various examples, the reinforcer has alower periphery of its bottom side that substantially (e.g., at leastmore than 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the reinforcer) follows aprofile of a distal edge of the plurality of bristles. In certainexamples, the lower edge of the plurality of bristles and/or of thereinforcer is slanted.

FIG. 10 is a front view of a broom with a reinforcer, according to someexamples. As illustrated, the broom 10′ includes an attachment mechanism20′, a plurality of bristles 18′ extending downwardly from theattachment mechanism, and a reinforcer 36′ attached (e.g., removably) toa rear side of the attachment mechanism such that the reinforcer coverssubstantially (e.g., greater than 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%) all of theplurality of bristles when viewed from the rear side of attachmentmechanism. In various examples, the reinforcer 36′ has a lower peripheryof its bottom side that substantially (e.g., at least more than 50%,60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the reinforcer) follows a profile of a distaledge of the plurality of bristles 18′. In certain examples, the loweredge of the plurality of bristles and/or of the reinforcer is flat.

FIG. 11 is a rear view of a broom with a reinforcer, according to someexamples. the broom of FIG. 11 may be the broom of FIG. 9. In someexamples, the reinforcer, when installed, covers substantially (e.g.,greater than 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%) all of plurality of bristleswhen viewed from the rear side of attachment mechanism. FIG. 12 is arear view of a broom with a reinforcer, according to some examples. thebroom of FIG. 12 may be the broom of FIG. 10. In some examples, thereinforcer, when installed, covers substantially (e.g., greater than50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%) all of plurality of bristles when viewedfrom the rear side of attachment mechanism.

FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 show a broom 20″ with a detached reinforcer 54 froma front view and a rear view respectively, according to some examples.In various examples, the reinforcer 54 includes a scraper blade 56 at adistal edge and a shape-holding rib 58 near the scraper blade. Incertain examples, the shape-holding rib 58 is recessed into a rear sideof the reinforcer 54.

FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 show a broom 10″ with a detached reinforcer 54′ froma front view and a rear view respectively, according to some examples.In various examples, the reinforcer 54′ includes a scraper blade 56′ ata distal edge of the reinforcer.

FIG. 17 shows a broom 10″ with a detached reinforcer 54″, according tosome examples. In various examples, the reinforcer 54″ comprises onematerial throughout from a top edge to a distal edge. For example, thematerial is a plastic, such as a compliant plastic.

The above detailed description and the examples described therein havebeen presented for the purposes of illustration and description only andnot for limitation. For example, the operations described can be done inany suitable manner. It is therefore contemplated that the presentembodiments cover any and all modifications, variations, or equivalentsthat fall within the scope of the basic underlying principles disclosedabove and claimed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A broom for clearing a surface, comprising: anelongate body having a first end and an opposite second end; a pluralityof bristles extending downwardly from an attachment mechanism removablyattached to the first end of the elongate body; and a reinforcerconfigured to be removably attached to a rear side of the attachmentmechanism such that the reinforcer covers substantially all of theplurality of bristles when viewed from the rear side of the attachmentmechanism.
 2. The broom of claim 1, wherein the reinforcer is configuredto reinforce the plurality of bristles attached to the attachmentmechanism during user, and to break or scrap at least one of: ice, snow,and debris from the surface.
 3. The broom of claim 1, wherein thereinforcer has a bottom side and a top side, and a lower periphery ofthe bottom side of the reinforcer substantially follows a profile of adistal edge of the plurality of bristles.
 4. The broom of claim 3,wherein an upper periphery of the top side of the reinforcersubstantially follows a profile of an upper portion of the attachmentmechanism.
 5. The broom of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanismincludes an upper securing member configured to be attached to the firstend of the elongate body.
 6. The broom of claim 1, wherein theattachment mechanism includes a lower securing member configured tosecurely attach the plurality of bristles to the attachment mechanism.7. The broom of claim 1, further comprising a handle configured to beremovably attached to the second end of the elongate body of the broom.8. The broom of claim 1, wherein the reinforcer includes a scraper bladeat a distal edge of the reinforcer, the scraper blade configured toclear the surface.
 9. The broom of claim 8, wherein the reinforcerincludes a shape-holding rib proximal to the scraper blade.
 10. Thebroom of claim 9, wherein the shape-holding rib extends substantiallythe width of the distal edge of the reinforcer.
 11. The broom of claim9, wherein the shape-holding rib includes a creased rib.
 12. The broomof claim 9, wherein the shape-holding rib is rippled.
 13. The broom ofclaim 1, wherein the reinforcer is configured to be adhered to theattachment mechanism.
 14. The broom of claim 1, wherein the reinforcercomprises at least one selected from a metal, a ceramic, a plastic, afiber substance, a stone, and an alloy.
 15. The broom of claim 1,wherein the elongate body has a circular cross-section, a hexagonalcross-section, an elliptical cross-section, or quadrilateralcross-section.
 16. The broom of claim 1, wherein the elongate body istapered toward the second end such that the first end has a first outerdiameter greater than a second outer diameter of the second end.
 17. Thebroom of claim 1, wherein the plurality of bristles has a tapered distaledge.
 18. The broom of claim 1, further including a shovel configured tobe removably attached to the second end of the elongate body.
 19. Amethod for assembling a broom for clearing a surface, the methodcomprising: coupling an attachment mechanism to a first end of anelongate body such that the plurality of bristles extends downwardly;and coupling a reinforcer to a rear side of the attachment mechanismsuch that the reinforcer covers substantially all of the plurality ofbristles when viewed from the rear side of the attachment mechanism;wherein the coupling a reinforcer to a rear side of the attachmentmechanism includes arranging a lower periphery of a bottom side of thereinforcer to substantially follow a profile of a distal edge of theplurality of bristles.
 20. A reinforcer for a broom for clearing asurface, comprising: a body having a top edge and a distal edge; and ascraper blade at the distal edge configured to clear a surface; whereinthe reinforcer is configured to be removably attached to a rear side ofa broom having a plurality of bristles such that when coupled: thereinforcer covers substantially all of the plurality of bristles whenviewed from the rear side of the broom; and a lower periphery of thebottom edge of the reinforcer substantially follows a profile of adistal edge of the plurality of bristles.